Active shooter drills became routine in American schools following high-profile incidents in early 2018. Lawmakers and advocates on opposing sides responded with familiar positions. One camp called for expanded restrictions on firearms while the other focused on expressions of sympathy and reflection.

The split mirrored long-standing tensions in national discussions about public safety. Proposals for new regulations faced resistance from those prioritizing existing rights and cultural practices. Meanwhile repeated drills underscored the persistence of the underlying problem without resolution.

The editorial argues that both standard responses fall short. Symbolic gestures and entrenched positions fail to address root causes or produce effective safeguards. A shift toward practical measures is needed to move beyond the cycle of drills and division.